“I’ll admit, I’ve never actually planted something before,” Levi said.
“I will teach you. First, we clear a home for the seed,” I explained. “Give me your hand.”
I took Levi’s spare hand in mine and brought it towards the ground. Moving as one, we cleared the remaining dust and soot until fresh soil sprang forth. The soil was damp and ready for a seed.
“Now, place the seed into its new home,” I encouraged.
Levi gently set the seed in the hole. “Like this?”
“That’s right. Then, we put a roof over its head.”
Our hands scraped the soil together, burying the seed.
“Does it need water?” Levi asked.
“Good thinking, Levi. The soil is damp enough right now. We will watch the sky and act appropriately.”
We moved as a unit, planting the rest of the seeds until the basket was empty. Levi wiped the sweat off his brow with a soil-stained hand. He flashed a tired but satisfied smile.
“That was really nice,” he said, letting out a heavy breath.
I noticed the dampness of his face and the slight yellow hue eating across his cheeks. I wondered if the physical activity was too much for him. Had he eaten enough earlier?
“Are you feeling all right?” I asked.
“Yeah,” he said breathlessly. “Just a little...”
Levi’s words tapered off. He went quiet. As his body swayed, I jolted.
“Levi?” I cried.
He shook his head, but as he did so, his cheeks paled. “I’m f-fine...”
That was the last thing he murmured before his eyes rolled back into his head and he collapsed.
My body acted instinctively. My tentacles and arms shot out, grabbing him before he hit the ground. My heart raced at a sickening pace. My organs felt cold, twisted into knots.
“Levi?” I cried when he lolled in my grasp.
No response. Frantic, I bolted upright. Holding Levi firmly in one arm, I crouched on three limbs and raced back to the village.
12Levi
My memory blurredafter planting seeds with Zat’tor. I remembered a sudden dizziness and cold sweat, then the world swayed.
But I also remembered the warm strength of Zat’tor’s arms. I didn’t see him, but they could only belong to him. I felt safe, despite my sickness. Whatever it was.
When I opened my bleary eyes, I saw the root-swarmed roof of a Maeleon den. I blinked a few times. I didn’t feel dizzy anymore, but a strange sensation lingered inside me.
“Levi!”
Zat’tor’s voice immediately calmed me. I turned my head to see him kneeling next to the makeshift bed. Concern was written all over his face. I felt bad for worrying him.
“Hey,” I said, my voice cracking.
He leaned in, touching me with his tentacles in relief. “I’m so happy you’re awake.”
“How long was I out?” I asked.
